You ever had one of those days that wore you out? I mean, it’s not like I was running on a treadmill all day long, or hiking up hill every where I went, yet I feel as if I close my eyes for a second I’ll be out like a light.
I spent all morning in the doctor’s office. I think I’ve briefly mentioned how I am concerned my Rheumatoid Arthritis is resurfacing. I was diagnosed when I was 23. Dealt with the doctors, blood tests, and multiple rounds of steroids and other pills when miraculously the most severe symptoms began to fade away. It was after I had Seth, 5 years after the diagnosis, I was working out more, eating better and before I knew it I was living ‘episode free’. On occasion I’d have little flair ups in my fingers, toes, knees or wrists but nothing an Aleve couldn’t handle.
A little over two years ago when I decided it would be good to follow up with some blood work I met with my Rheumatologist after a hiatus of 9 years…thankfully she concluded I was ‘in remission’. Only 20% of those diagnosed with RA go into remission so I felt blessed to be a part of the select few.
However, lately I can’t ignore the pain in my hip and the stiffness when I’m not in motion. Granted it very well could be that I’m 40 …yes…I HOPE that is the case…or that I RUN and maybe it’s the combination of me being 40 and running. 😉 Regardless, the doctor decided we needed to get more blood work drawn to see where my levels are and to get X-rays on my hands, feet and hips. In the meantime I’m armed with an anti-inflammatory (non-steroid thank God!) and I’ll go back to see her in two weeks.
Whew, with that and a long lunch with a friend who is in need of prayer, and running across town on insignificant time-sensitive ‘must do’ errands I can see why naptimes come back around when you get older. 😉
However, the day was not lost. I had a very touching silent ‘moment’ when I was waiting to be called to get blood drawn. There was an elderly couple sitting across from me, the woman had her frail legs crossed very proper and her arm threaded through her husband’s who was sitting in the seat beside her. She had her other hand resting protectively on his arm as well. He was leaned into her in a protective manner as well and without a word spoken I could sense the love they had for one another. She looked at me when I sat down and her face brightened with a wide smile. Her eyes seemed to say, “Life is good. It’s just another day at the doctor.”
I wanted badly to take their picture so I could share it but even I couldn’t drum up the nerve to ask for permission to take a random picture. They sat in front of me for only another minute or two before she was called back to get blood drawn. Seeing them, however, lifted any dark cloud of worry about being back in that RA office today. Seeing the love between them and the sparkle in her eye made me realize at any age God still gives us strength to endure and it’s up to us to accept the precious gift of life, making it count.
Remembering this couple helped me get through the day that did not go as I had planned. I didn’t get any writing done and I was sidetracked by things I felt were ridiculous. But it is what it is and tomorrow is another day to get something done.
If today didn’t go as planned or you are so bogged down by what the day threw at you don’t fret – God-willing you get to try again tomorrow. Next time do one thing different that is a positive change and see if that helps. (Mine will be to nod off for 10 minutes. 🙂 )
Blessings
Shannon